Shillong, Dec 20: The iconic Pinewood Hotel in Shillong marked its 126th anniversary with a grand celebration, “Reminiscing Pinewood,” attended by Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh on Friday.

The event celebrated the hotel’s rich heritage, with Lyngdoh highlighting its status as one of the oldest hotels in India and its former ranking among the top 50 hotels in the country during the 1990s.

During the event, Lyngdoh expressed satisfaction with the ongoing restoration efforts aimed at reviving key sections of the hotel, including its historic billiards room. He emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring the Pinewood Hotel to its former glory by 2025. “This is one of the oldest hotels in the country and was also rated as one of the top 50 hotels of India way back in the 1990s,” said Lyngdoh.

“This piece of history has hosted eminent personalities like the Dalai Lama and Victor Banerjee. The hotel was originally established by a Swiss couple, who later collaborated with the Assamese Chaudhary family in the 1960s. It has witnessed several transformations over the years, and today, we are proud to celebrate its rich legacy and history,” he said.

Speaking on the symbolic significance of the Pinewood Hotel, the minister remarked, “When you visit Pinewood, you don’t think of it as a 5 or 7-star hotel. Instead, when you step outside and look up, you see hundreds of stars. It is a legacy that has become synonymous with Shillong’s history over the years.”

The Tourism Minister highlighted the government’s strategy to “optimize this priceless asset” by 2025, with extensive restoration work planned to further enhance its appeal. He also underscored the government’s broader efforts to bolster the state’s tourism sector, which is witnessing unprecedented growth.

“We are on the right track to add more value to the property,” said Lyngdoh, adding that the government intends to upscale such heritage properties to ensure that tourists experience the rich culture and history of Shillong. “Our efforts would be to upscale such hotels and ensure that tourists come here not just to stay but to experience Shillong as it was 126 years ago.”

One of the key attractions of the hotel’s revival is a newly established museum. It features old musical instruments, vintage photographs, and classic drink collections, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The billiards room, located adjacent to the museum, has also been fully restored, further enriching the tourist experience. Plans are underway to gradually expand the museum to house more exhibits that showcase the hotel’s storied history.

The Pinewood Hotel, with its unique architectural charm and timeless appeal, remains an enduring symbol of Shillong’s hospitality legacy. With comprehensive restoration plans in place, the Meghalaya government aims to preserve and enhance this “priceless asset”, ensuring it continues to be a key attraction for tourists and a proud reminder of Shillong’s rich past.

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